Why did I want to study Alaska's marine animals?
Fascination with similarities (and especially the differences) between companion animal medicine and marine animal physiology and medicine. So many things to observe and try to figure out. Applies to all marine life from invertebrates to megafauna.

How did I get into the Marine Biology field?Always into biology and vet medicine but got into marine mammals by accident – the accidental discharge of oil into PWS by the Exxon Valdez in 1998.

Dr. Tuomi developed her interest in wildlife and exotic animal medicine while working as a veterinary student, and continued over the last 36 years as a small animal practitioner and clinic owner and , since 1997, as the Senior Veterinarian at the Alaska SeaLife Center with special interest in marine animal medicine. She is a member of Association of Avian Veterinarians, the American Association of Wildlife Veterinarians and the International Association of Aquatic Animal Medicine. During the 1989 Exxon Valdez Oil Spill Wildlife Rehabilitation effort, Dr. Tuomi worked at Otter Rehabilitation Centers in Alaska as staff veterinarian responsible for medical care and monitoring of oil contaminated sea otters from capture through release. Since that time, she has remained active in ongoing marine mammal research in Alaska and in developement and publication of information related to marine animal medicine and oil spill rehabilitation. She has worked as a veterinary consultant while continuing regular duties as a full time veterinarian supporting animal health and research at the Alaska SeaLife Center . Project participation has included sea otter, harbor seal, Steller sea lion and eider duck capture, surgery, health assessment and necropsy projects in Alaska, Canada and Russia.